State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. today announced that “Leandra’s Law,” which would create felony charges for those who drive drunk with a child in the car, has been unanimously passed by the State Senate.

Albany, NY) Today, the Senate passed landmark legislation drastically increasing the penalty for any person who drives intoxicated with a child passenger. Two recent fatal incidents involving intoxicated drivers with child passengers have highlighted the need for stronger measures to prevent or punish persons who drive intoxicated with children as passengers.

ALBANY, N.Y.—State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) lauded the State Senate passage of landmark legislation drastically increasing the penalty for any person who drives intoxicated with a child passenger.

(S. 66008-Dilan/A. 40008-Weisenberg) The Child Passenger Protection Act was signed into law November 18, 2009 after both the New York State Senate and Assembly passed it unanimously during a Special Session. The bill also called Leandra's Law, was named after Leandra Rosado who died at the age of 11 as a passenger in a vehicle driven by a drunk driver. Leandra’s father, Lenny Rosado was in attendance when the bill passed the Senate and when Governor Paterson officially signed the bill.

(S. 66008-Dilan/A. 40008-Weisenberg) The Child Passenger Protection Act was signed into law November 18, 2009 after both the New York State Senate and Assembly passed it unanimously during a Special Session. The bill also called Leandra’s Law, was named after Leandra Rosado who died at the age of 11 as a passenger in a vehicle driven by a drunk driver. Leandra’s father, Lenny Rosado was in attendance when the bill passed the Senate and when Governor Paterson officially signed the bill.

“Today we are united in announcing an agreement to enact the toughest child passenger DWI laws in the country. In doing so, we ensure the safety of countless children and families in New York State. The bipartisan effort in the Senate honors the memory of 11-year-old Leandra Rosado, who was killed in a tragic alcohol-related car accident in October. Working together with Leandra’s father, Lenny Rosado, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and district attorneys, we have made it clear that driving drunk with a child passenger is a serious offense, that in New York, will no longer be acceptable.”

Leandra's state senator is joining the fight for tougher penalties against drunken drivers who endanger children.

State Sen. Tom Duane, whose Manhattan district includes the home of Henry Hudson Parkway crash victim Leandra Rosado, says he'll support legislation making it a felony to drive drunk with kids in the car.

Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo speaks to Seaford students and members of the panel during his DWI round table session at Seaford High School as District Attorney Rice and Assemblyman Weisenberg look on.

State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. today called on the State Senate Leadership to allow a vote on his legislation requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers when the Senate convenes in special session on September 10th.

AAA of New York State recently announced its support of legislation sponsored by State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District) creating felony charges for individuals who drive drunk with a child in the car.